Brookfield Zoo Chicago goes Jurassic with Dinos! summer experience

Brookfield Zoo Chicago goes Jurassic with Dinos! summer experience 

From fossil digs to raptor encounters, Dinos! brings prehistoric fun to the Zoo 

 

Brookfield, IL — Dinosaurs are taking over Brookfield Zoo Chicago this summer with Dinos!, a summer adventure featuring more than 20 animatronic dinosaurs, hands-on activities, photo opportunities, themed food and merchandise and live programs for guests of all ages.

 

This seasonal experience opened, May 22, and runs through October 25. It is free with Zoo admission and membership.

 

Dinos! invites guests to explore a trail filled with realistic dinosaurs, from a 65-foot-long Brachiosaurus and 40-foot Tyrannosaurus rex to armored Ankylosaurus, speedy raptors, duck-billed dinosaurs, nests with hatchlings and more brought to life in collaboration with Dino Don, Inc.

 

“We can’t wait for guests of all ages to experience Dinos!, as this Jurassic journey sparks awe and curiosity with every generation,” said John Buranosky, vice president of guest and member services at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. “Guests will be able to get close to dinosaurs they have only read about or seen on screen, while also learning about extinction, dinosaur connections to animals alive today and simple ways we can help protect wildlife.”

 

As guests explore Dinos!, guests can walk through a dinosaur ribcage tunnel, dig for fossils, climb inside a giant dinosaur egg for a photo, compare their feet to a dinosaur footprint, meet a realistic raptor and look for baby dinosaur puppet appearances. Visitors can also stop by a dino-themed photo booth and collect dinosaur trading cards.

 

Along the way, they will also discover connections between prehistoric life and wildlife today, including how fossils help scientists understand the past, how birds are linked to dinosaurs and why protecting endangered species matters for the future. On select dates, guests can visit the Dino Fossil Lab near the dinosaur ribcage tunnel to learn about animal adaptations and convergent evolution while comparing 3D-printed replica dinosaur skulls to those of animals at the Zoo.

 

Those who want even more dinosaur fun can also try the Dinosaur Discovery Walking Tour or Ultimate T. Rex Virtual Reality (VR) Experience for an additional fee. The Dinosaur Discovery Tour offers an in-depth, guided look at the Dinos! experience at 10 a.m. on select days. The VR experience will be offered daily during the summer (weather permitting) for $8 for the public and $6 for members. Families can also catch Dinosaur Ranger Academy programs, offering free interactive shows at the Nature Stage on select weekend dates throughout the summer.

 

The Zoo will also host two special dinosaur-themed events this summer:

 

•             Dino Dash Fun Run on May 30 invites guests to race through the Zoo during a two-mile run before the Zoo opens, with participants encouraged to dress as their favorite dinosaurs.

 

•             Dinos After Dark on July 11 gives guests the chance to experience Dinos! after hours with themed entertainment, special programming, Zoo Chats and more.

 

The fun continues all summer long throughout the Zoo with dinosaur-themed food, beverages, merchandise, limited edition dinosaur Mold-A-Ramas and birthday party experiences. A new Dino Dawg food truck will be available near the Zoo’s East Mall, serving up a special menu with corn dogs and dinosaur-themed treats.

 

Guests can plan their prehistoric adventure at brookfieldzoo.org/events/dinos.

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